APCO is tracking Americans’ attitudes and behaviors related to COVID-19. The latest installment, from polling conducted on April 17, 2020, explored Americans’ views on how the country will recover from the pandemic:​​
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To access the latest research and resources on the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit APCO's Coronavirus Hub.
The Next Normal: Will the Coronavirus Truly Make Every Company a Tech Company?

In the latest piece in our Come Back Stronger blog series, APCO’s Travis Bullard discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has placed greater emphasis on the role of technology in every industry:
Person holding tablet to access a variety of digital services

"Of paramount importance to shaping our “next normal” after the public health threat of COVID-19 is contained will be incorporating the recent adaptations to our normal routines, fully embracing emerging technology innovations and not reflexively snapping-back to business as usual.

Many businesses and governments will need to move at speed and scale to shape rather than follow new norms, rules and legislation for future innovation. Smart businesses must be ready to engage with key audiences differently, and they must attract and retain talent differently, all while keeping stakeholders, governments and the public comfortable with the pace of innovation."

Webinar: How will COVID-19 impact health and social care in the UK?

As the UK begins to contemplate the easing of lockdown measures, how will crucial NHS services resume? What is the next phase of the health system response to the pandemic? What changes made over the last few weeks will remain? And, what does COVID-19 mean for the government’s health and social care reform agenda?

On Tuesday, May 12 from 8:30-9:30am BST, you are invited to join a conversation with Richard Sloggett, former special adviser to Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock, and Senior Fellow, Policy Exchange, who will discuss the impact of the lockdown measures on the UK health system. RSVP here.
 

UK: STAYING SAFE, SAVING LIVES

APCO colleagues are sharing on-the-ground insights and analysis on the impact of COVID-19 in markets around the world. Today’s dispatch from APCO’s London office highlights how the UK could begin to gradually ease its stay-at-home lockdown orders. ​​

With government figures reporting this week that the UK now has the highest number of coronavirus deaths in Europe, calls are growing for a public inquiry to investigate the government’s handling of the pandemic. Following a more relaxed approach relative to its neighbors, the UK announced an enforced stay-at-home order beginning on March 23 to reduce pressure on the National Health Service (NHS). Six weeks later, the government is once again reviewing restrictions and drawing up a roadmap on the next phase of the lockdown ahead of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s address to the nation on May 10. While the lockdown is largely expected to stay in place, some relaxed measures and new messaging without the previous 'stay home' advice could be introduced next week.

The government's ‘second phase’ strategy is likely to include allowing unlimited exercise, while allowing some businesses to ramp up operations where social distancing can be observed, such as construction sites. Though the initial changes are likely to be modest and incremental, the government is eager to reopen certain sectors of the economy, especially amid warnings that the country is on course to experience its sharpest recession on record. In another sign of the mounting costs to the Treasury, with almost a quarter of British employees furloughed in the past fortnight, the government is also expected to announce the scaling back of the wage-subsidy scheme as restrictions on business activity are lifted.

Some Positive News

  • Social Distancing Graduation: Principal surprises 220 graduating seniors with a celebratory visit to their home, ABC News
  • Repaying Kindness to Native Americans: Hundreds of Irish people have so far donated USD 1.8 million to two Native American tribes suffering from the pandemic, The New York Times
  • Outdoor Cinema: 'Art Parking' drive-in festival gives the people of Prague the opportunity to engage with culture while complying with social distancing measures, Prague Reporter

More Tips from Around the Water Cooler

  • The future of travel: How the industry will change after the pandemic, The New York Times
  • Digital transformation is about talent, not technology, Harvard Business Review
  • Tips for protecting your brands and patented products during the coronavirus pandemic, JD Supra
  • How cities can work on fostering antifragility in the post-pandemic world, Forbes

Quotables


“If we can develop a vaccine that is produced by the world, for the whole world, this will be a unique global public good of the 21st Century,”

     - Giuseppe Conte, Prime Minister of Italy; Emmanuel Macron, President of France; and Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany


"As businesses, as communities, as families and friends, we need to go forward remembering that we’re all connected in one way or another. If there’s anything good that can come from this moment, it would be the chance we have to deepen our connections with each other."

      - Doug McMillon​, Walmart CEO
The APCO team is working with clients globally to manage this crisis, and we stand ready to support your needs. For more resources from APCO, including our latest research, information on how we can help or to contact us, visit apcoworldwide.com/coronavirus.